Author: Pastor Doug

Our scripture today is Job 2:9 (NKJV).

Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!”

In order to understand the message of Job we must understand something about the culture of the time. In this society, one’s honor was extremely important. When illness or calamity occurred, it was thought to be sent by God as a punishment for sin. God begins to show us what we will see later in the person of Jesus – a blameless, suffering servant. Job’s wife believes the lie of the world and encourages Job to “Curse God and die!” Thankfully, Job’s connection to the Lord is stronger than that, and while he is still suffering, he is still faithful.

Gracious God, we don’t always understand what goes on in the world around us, but we know You are in control. Bless us to be patient in our faith and share it, no matter what circumstances we encounter. Amen.

Our scripture today is Job 1:8 (NKJV).

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

The Book of Job is considered “Wisdom Literature” according to church scholars, along with Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. It has lessons to teach us about righteousness, patience, justice and how all those connect us to God. Job is mentioned elsewhere in scripture, notably Ezekiel 14:14, which lists “3 righteous men, Noah, Daniel, Job.” Also we read in James 5:11 “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” In 1 Peter 5:8 we read of Satan prowling, and in Job 1 we hear that Satan was walking to and fro on the earth. Some question God allowing what is about to happen, but we must remember God allowed Adam and Eve to be tempted – nothing happens out of the sight of God. He has a plan for everything in creation.

Patient God, You have waited on all of us to give up our sins and choose a life in You through Christ our Savior. Bless us to be patient with others as we share Your love in the world. Amen.

Our scripture today is Job 1:1 (NKJV).

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.

Like many lessons, the Book of Job can lead to questions. What we need to see and learn is not all our questions lead to understanding. Sometimes we go down rabbit holes (as we shall see with Job’s friends) or simply give up (as in the example of Job’s wife). God doesn’t mind our questions, but we see they can’t be used as diversions, excuses or accusations. When we question God, we are on the wrong path. When we ask questions in faith, we are looking to grow in our relationship with Him.

Heavenly Father, You gave us free will and curiosity to understand and use Your gifts to us. Bless us to ask the right questions, and know that Your will is ever for our good, no matter what our circumstances. Amen.

Our scripture today is Esther 7:10 (NKJV).

So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided.

The man who would have hanged Mordecai and exterminated the Jews is instead hanged on his own gallows at the king’s command. Haman is an example of the hatred that often manifests itself against God’s people. While it may be easy for us to cheer the demise of a true villain, this isn’t the attitude God wants from His people either. A condemned criminal asked Jesus to remember him as they were both dying. He hadn’t lived an exemplary life and he had no chance to do good things at that point. Yet in Luke 23:43 we hear Jesus tell him “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” God wants us to see that we all have sinned and without the love and sacrifice of our Savior, and our own repentance, none of us can be saved.

Gracious God, in Your mercy You sent Your Son to be the once and for all sacrifice for sin. We ask Your forgiveness for our selfishness. Bless us to be new creations in Christ, going to share Your love everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture today is Esther 5:4 (NKJV).

So Esther answered, “If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”

Esther’s plan works perfectly as the king sees her and calls her into his presence. She sets a trap for Haman, who is responsible for the plot against the Jews. By inviting the king and Haman to her banquet she puts her enemy off guard and has the king in attendance to hear her charge. Esther uses the gifts God has given her to take a chance and save her people. Like Moses, who went back to Egypt even though there was danger, Esther risked much by going to the king’s courtyard. However, she trusted in God and He was with her.

Heavenly Father, strengthen us in faith when we are timid. May we go boldly in Your name to share the Good News everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture today is Esther 4:14 (NKJV).

For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Mordecai asks Esther to go to the king to save their people. It was forbidden to go to the king however, one had to be summoned. To go without invite risked the king’s displeasure and possibly death. Still, Mordecai reminds her that God has given her a position of power and responsibility “for such a time as this.” We see an eternal truth here – Esther must choose for herself. God doesn’t force anyone, we must each choose to be connected to Him and do His will.

Heavenly Father, You have blessed us all with the gift of free will, choosing for ourselves how to use all Your other gifts. Help us to see the needs of others and be ready to go to share Your love. Amen.

Our scripture today is Esther 3:6 (NKJV).

But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus—the people of Mordecai.

In this portion of the book we discover the source of the plot to exterminate the Jews in Persia. A minor official named Haman is offended that Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, refuses to bow to him. Rather than justice for this infraction, Haman seeks revenge and begins a plan to have all the Jews in the country killed. Evil always seeks to harm God’s children, but God will act through an unexpected source to save them.

Loving Lord, help us to see everyone as Your beloved children. Bless us to go in Your name to share Your love with the world. Amen.

Our scripture today is Esther 2:18 (NKJV).

Then the king made a great feast, the Feast of Esther, for all his officials and servants; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces and gave gifts according to the generosity of a king.

In this relatively short lesson we read of Esther who becomes the queen of Persia. Her people, the Hebrews, are the victims of a conspiracy to execute them all. Queen Esther must risk death by going to the king without being requested if she is to save her people. She could remain silent and likely retain her life and royal position, but at the expense of many other lives. Esther shows us what true faith and courage can do.

Gracious God, You have given each of us gifts to be used in Your service. Bless us to go with courage to share the Gospel with the world. Amen.

Our scripture today is Nehemiah 9:38 (NKJV).

And because of all this, We make a sure covenant and write it; Our leaders, our Levites, and our priests seal it.

The people dedicate themselves to God in the strongest way they know: a legally binding contract, based on the Covenant He made with His people at Mt. Sinai. They repent of their sin and pledge to worship the Lord. Read all of chapter 9 to hear a beautiful, almost creed-like hymn about God’s care for them. While this is an honest effort, the only thing God wants from us is our love for Him and each other, and using His gifts to care for creation. 

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the self-centered lives we often lead, forgetting Your blessings and the tasks You have for us. Forgive us and refresh us, sending us to share your love everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture today is Nehemiah 8:2 (NKJV).

So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month.

This is a scene that has occurred several times before in the history of God’s people. Exodus 20 records Moses receiving the Law at Mt. Sinai, and Deuteronomy 5 repeats the Ten Commandments as the people prepare to enter the Promised Land. 2 Samuel 6 tells of the rededication of the people to the covenant as the Ark of the Lord returns to Jerusalem, and 1 Kings 8 tells of the dedication of Solomon’s temple and the people’s vow to obey God’s Law. Now after the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of that first temple, the people have returned to rebuild both, pledging their lives again to God.

Loving Lord, we are sorry we are slow learners who often need the same lesson repeated again and again. Forgive us, and bless us to share the joy we find in You with all the world. Amen.